This Sunday marks the beginning of our "Big Week." This Sunday, Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of what Christians call "Holy Week." For Christ followers, Holy Week is our Superbowl. It's our World Series, our Stanley Cup, our Final Four! Actually, as much attention as the Superbowl and World Series get, they pale in comparison to the importance of Holy Week.
Holy Week observes and celebrates the events of the final week of Jesus' life. From His procession into Jerusalem, to the cross, to the miracle of his resurrection, this was the week that changed the world. The sacrifice of the cross and the glory of the empty tomb took our world from despair to hope. It brought us from sorrow to joy, from broken to healed, from dead to alive.
Holy Week is a big week for us for two reasons. For ourselves, it is an opportunity to walk with Jesus on His journey to the cross. In many ways, it is like a roller coaster ride. It begins with this great high as everyone comes out to celebrate Him on Palm Sunday. But in a few short days comes the rapid descent into the last supper, the betrayal, the arrest and the crucifixion.
On Thursday we will have a special service at our Sandown campus at 6:30 p.m. to observe the last supper and the events in the Garden. On Good Friday we will have a service at our Amesbury campus at 7:00 p.m. to remember Christ's sacrifice at the Cross.
Then, of course, on Easter weekend we will celebrate his resurrection. We will have services at all of our regular Sunday morning times. But we will also offer a Saturday evening service at our Plaistow campus at 5:00 p.m. This is particularly great for those who may be traveling on Easter Sunday but still want to be able to celebrate Easter with your church family at the Rock.
I said this is a big week for us for two reasons. First, for ourselves to celebrate the week that changed our lives. But secondly, it is one of our best opportunities to live out one of our core values as a church. We believe "Everyone Needs Jesus." Easter is the perfect time to invite an unchurched friend to worship with us. Let's make the most of this opportunity.
I hope you will be able to join us throughout Holy Week as we journey towards the celebration of the most important event in the history of the world, the resurrection of Jesus.
God Bless,
Pastor Steve
Mark your calendars. Invite your Friends. This is going to be a great event.